GlobeCast, the worldwide broadcasting arm of France Telecom [FTE], plans to launch a broadband service providing Internet access to the Indian subcontinent from the Europe*Star 1 satellite later this year.

Europe*Star Ltd. of London plans to launch the satellite in early autumn to a slot it at 45 degreesE. From that position users will be able to its signals with dish antennas ranging between 1.2-1.8 meters (47 to 71 inches) in diameter.

GlobeCast said it will target ISPs, cable TV operators that need to transmit IP or other broadband content to their own customers and corporations that need access to the Internet for their own operations.